Acer Chromebook 317
The Acer Chromebook 317 is a unique addition to the Chromebook family, boasting the title of the world's first Chromebook with a 17.3-inch screen. This supersized Chromebook, made of plastic and weighing 5.29 pounds, offers a range of features, including an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 4GB of RAM, and up to 128GB of storage. It's equipped with dual USB-C and A ports, a headset jack, a micro SD card slot, and a Kensington lock port. The large screen size is advantageous for productivity tasks, such as spreadsheets and multitasking, and watching movies and videos. However, its size may question its portability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 17.3-inch full HD IPS screen | Size may limit portability |
| Reasonable weight considering its size | Average battery life |
| Large, comfortable keyboard with a full number pad | Plastic build with a bit of flex |
| Solid and responsive trackpad | No HDMI port |
| Decent upward-facing speakers | Lack of backlit keyboard |
| Supports Wi-Fi 6 | Slow processor for heavy tasks |
The Acer Chromebook 317's large screen is a standout feature, providing ample space for productivity tasks and an immersive experience for media consumption. The large keyboard has well-spaced keys and a full number pad, providing a comfortable typing experience. The trackpad is also large, impressively solid, and responsive for a model in this price range.
Despite its size, the Acer Chromebook 317 is portable and boasts over 9 hours of battery life. It supports most modern Wi-Fi protocols, including the latest Wi-Fi 6. However, it lacks an HDMI port, so you'll need a dongle to plug it into your TV. The audio is functional but lacks bass and mid-range sounds, suggesting using a sound bar or Bluetooth speaker for a richer sound experience.
Reviewers' Opinions
The Acer Chromebook 317 has been reviewed by several tech experts, with the most notable feature being its large 17.3-inch screen. MergeDroid, in his Youtube review, described it as "the world's first Chromebook with a 17.3-inch screen" and likened it to a supersized version of a regular laptop. He appreciated the large keyboard with well-spaced keys and a full number pad, stating, "The keys have a good amount of travel and I quite like typing on it." However, he questioned the device's portability due to its large size.
MergeDroid also highlighted the device's performance, saying it can handle light gaming and has an average battery life. He concluded that the Acer Chromebook 317 is suitable for someone who doesn't need to travel much with their device and would benefit from a larger keyboard and trackpad.
On the other hand, in his Youtube review, Dave Taylor found the large keyboard layout to be tricky to navigate without looking. He noted that while the device's specs might seem underpowered for a PC, they are sufficient for the Chromebook's intended use of web browsing, watching movies, and document work. He also pointed out that the laptop lacks an HDMI port, which he found puzzling given the device's emphasis on its 1080p screen.
Despite some limitations, such as a slow processor and lack of backlit keyboard, Taylor found the Acer Chromebook 317 a good option for those needing a second computer or a device for light tasks. He pointed out that this is a good device, "If you need a second computer, if you have a teenager who is just really hard on devices, or if you just want to have a spare device sitting there so that you can watch TV in bed..."
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews of the Acer Chromebook 317 have generally been positive. Many customers appreciated its affordability, ease of use, and impressive battery life. One user noted that the battery had lasted for three days without needing a charge. Users found it particularly suitable for online banking, shopping, and email.
The device's speed and ease of use were also highlighted, with one reviewer recommending the addition of a Logitech Bluetooth mouse for even greater convenience. The lack of a touchscreen was noted as a drawback but not a dealbreaker. The device was likened to a tablet with a regular browser and keyboard, with apps downloadable from the Google Play store.
One reviewer mentioned a minor issue with screen flickering, which was resolved without needing to return the device. The Full HD 1080p screen was deemed satisfactory, though not as good as some other laptops. Reviewers said the keyboard was comfortable to type on, and the device's audio and visual capabilities were adequate for music and TV watching. The battery life was described as "a beast," although there were questions about its longevity. Overall, the Chromebook was considered by reviewers to be a practical and cost-effective choice for everyday computing needs.
Who is the Acer Chromebook 317 For?
The Acer Chromebook 317 is a good fit for users who don't need to travel much with their computer and would benefit from a larger keyboard and trackpad. It's also an excellent choice for those who don't have a desk setup with external monitors and peripherals, making the 17.3-inch large screen a real asset.
However, users needing a portable device for on-the-go tasks or heavy computing power might want to look elsewhere. The lack of an HDMI port could also be a dealbreaker for users who wish to connect their laptop to a TV or external monitor without keeping track of an adapter. Despite these limitations, the Acer Chromebook 317 offers a unique combination of features at a competitive price, making it a viable option for many users.
